Search Privacy Violations, Breaches and Complaints
This database was last updated in December 2015 ago and should only be used as a historical snapshot. More recent data on breaches affecting 500 or more people is available at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Breach Portal.
VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23)
Mentioned in a privacy incident report created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on March 1, 2012. Also cited in 183 other reports.
Report ID: SPE000000072369, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Reported Entity: VISN 23 Omaha, NE
Issue:
A Veteran stated he was brought into an exam room where the computer had not been locked and the previous patients information was still on. The Veteran explained repeatedly that if he had wanted to he could have hacked into our system and or tampered with patient information. He stated that he did not do this but did take down notes on the patient so that he had proof that the computer was left unattended. He took notes on his smart phone and then read the patients name, DOB, the date of his last C&P exam to the health information management (HIMS) supervisor and told her that the patient was right handed. He stated he was brought into the room by the nurse who then left him alone with an unsecure computer with patient information on it. The HIMS supervisor made him delete the patients information off of his phone in front of her. Update: 03/19/12:The patient will receive a letter offering credit protection services.
Outcome:
Credit monitoring letter was sent out to Veteran. Education was given to the provider and the investigation was handed over to the supervisor for determination of further action.